Durability of high-performance concrete at high temperatures: effects of water-binder ratios and use of silica fume

Abstract

This work examines the impact of altering the water-binder ratios (w/b) and cement/silica fume (SF) replacements on the strength at the compression of High-Performance Concrete (HPC), both before and during prolonged contact with extreme temperature. After preparation and testing, eighteen mixtures were produced. Based on the variation in weight/bulk density, the compressive strength test results at room temperature varied from 58 to 102 MPa. In addition, a novel technique known as “heat endurance” has been implemented to compare HPC responses at high temperatures. The findings demonstrate that pozzolanic interaction with the fillers component of SF improves HPC’s residual compressive strength following exposure to high temperatures. Comparative measurements of retained strength of compression were greatest for blends containing 6%, 12%, and 15% of SF at w/b ratios of 0.30, 0.35, and 0.40. As a consequence, altering the w/b ratio had a substantial impact on the outcomes. Lastly, a variety of measuring methods were offered to assist with the study, such as CT, SEM, and thermogravimetric (TG) analysis to evaluate the microstructure modification, porosity, and mass loss of HPC.